Light fixtures can make or break a design. But if you choose the right light, it will do wonders for the look and feel of your home.

Our experts in interior design at John Elliott Interiors know how to create beautiful spaces, and we are excited to share tips on how you can enhance your home with just the right lighting.

Define Design Spaces

Use the same kind of lighting in neighboring rooms to create a cohesive look between the spaces. If you want your dining room and kitchen to look like one space, choose light fixtures that have similar styles, or are made with the same materials. Look for lights from the same collection but in different sizes. Smaller fixtures lined up over the kitchen island is a great style choice and creates a lot of additional light. This can be paired with a large, chandelier version of the smaller lights over the dining room table to bring the rooms together.

If you have an open floor plan and want to separate the spaces, use the opposite technique. Hanging brass lights in a kitchen with brass fixtures ties the overall design together as an individual space. Choose a matte texture or natural element for the living room lights to add an extra degree of separation.

Show Off Your Style

Unique light fixtures are a great way to show guests your personal style. Choose a fun fixture that matches your outgoing personality or find a lamp with a creative base that shows off one of your hobbies.

Light fixtures are also a simple and relatively affordable way to personalize the look of rental space. Instead of keeping the bland, uniform lights installed across the entire apartment complex, switch yours out for something that makes the space feel more reflective of your individuality.  

If you’re not sure where to start on a room’s design, the lighting can be a great element with which to begin. Walk through the section of light fixtures at John Elliott Interiors and see if anything speaks to you. If you find something you love, that can serve as great inspiration for the rest of the room.

Make the Most of Your Space

Vaulted ceilings make an incredible statement, but that space can be wasted if it’s not used properly. An interesting light fixture draws the eye up and accentuates this feature. Don’t be afraid to go with a bigger statement here – the extra space can handle it, and a small light may get swallowed up without being able to make an impact.

If you have low ceilings, a chandelier may not be the best choice. Hanging light fixtures can draw attention to the lack of height in a room. A great alternative is recessed lighting because these lights won’t take up headspace. Instead, they will make the ceiling appear brighter and give the illusion that they’re taller than they are.  

Set the Atmosphere

When considering what kind of lighting to put in each room, consider the primary use of the space. Some spaces require bright lights, while others are better served by having options for varying levels of light. In your home office, it may be important to have bright, clean lighting to help you stay alert and focus. In the living room, bright lights will work well while you are entertaining guests for game night. But during the evening, you may want a softer lighting option while you unwind for the day and read a book until you’re ready to go to bed. Choose bright overhead lights to illuminate the whole space, then add lamps with soft lightbulbs for the times you want a softer option. Lights that have a dimmer function are also a great choice, as they save space by providing these options without requiring multiple light fixtures.

The lights you choose can also balance your décor. If your home has a lot of brick or metal in the design, a softer warm light can even out the look and make the space feel more inviting. If the room has a lot of softer textures and warm colors, use a brighter white light to create a fresh look in the space.

The Right Lights Make an Impact

The light fixtures you choose can make a big difference in how your overall design turns out. An airy, modern home would look confusing with a massive deer antler shed chandelier. But a piece like that would be perfect in a rustic log home.

When you choose the right lights, you can enhance the look of your home:

• Define design spaces
• Show off your style
• Make the most of your space
• Set the atmosphere

If you need assistance choosing design elements for your home, contact us at John Elliott Interiors to speak with our experts on interior design at Lake of the Ozarks.